Punch backs new charity website and helpline

Punch Taverns is the first company to promote the new Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) website and helpline to its staff and licensees.

The LTC aims to add to the support that pub companies and breweries already offer.

Punch Taverns human resources director Jackie Burn said: "The support services through occupational charities like the LTC are really valuable. The charity knows the people who work in the trade, the problems they might face and how to support them.

"As an organisation we are not always aware if someone is having a difficult time and it is great that the LTC support and care team are available with the appropriate knowledge and resource to help.

"At Punch it makes business sense to include their services as part of the package we provide to our business partners and employees."

New website

Since going live in September 2013, the charity has seen a 30% increase in the number of visitors to the new site www.supportandcare.org.

LTC support helps with money problems, housing issues, health concerns and family matters such as relationship breakdown.

It is envisaged that the factsheets the charity has produced on its website will, in time, grow organically as more resources are added to the ‘what we know’ section of the website.

Making a difference to people's lives

LTC director of marketing and charity services Liz Gaffer said: "Everyone we help is surprised that there is a free service available like this that makes a difference in so many people’s lives.

"It’s clear from research that there are many more people who could benefit from the knowledge and support we offer.

"We’ve got all the information pub companies and breweries can send to staff and business partners, to let them know what we can do for them if plans go wrong."

Access to the charity’s new helpline 0808 801 0550 and its website is free to every-one who works in, or is re-tired from the licensed drinks trade.

Along with a new, bolder brand identity, the charity has extended its opening hours from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.